Hotspots Near You

161. Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, Texas

Located just four miles north of the Rio Grande, a great place to find 30 South Texas specialties.By John Yochum | Published: 4/22/2013

Just four miles due north of the Rio Grande lies one of the newest birding hotspots in South Texas: 230-acre Estero Llano Grande State Park. It opened in June 2006 after wildlife agencies and conservationists restored an old farm, a dried-up lakebed, and adjacent properties and made them accessible to visitors.

After less than seven years, the park’s bird list sits at 326 species, including migrants, wintering waterfowl, and about 30 specialty birds of South Texas — species not found anywhere else in the United States. I have spotted 316 species here, including a White-throated Thrush, the 13th ever in the U.S., and a Blue-throated Hummingbird, a Mexican bird rarely seen in Texas. I’ll never forget the incredible whiteness of a Whooping Crane I saw flying in a V-shaped flock of Sandhill Cranes in fall 2008.

An abundance of other wildlife lives here: almost 200 butterfly species, more than 60 dragonfly species, and resident alligators that live in the aptly named Alligator Lake. Next to the lake, two or three Common Pauraques often roost just off a trail, hiding in plain sight. Don’t miss them! — John Yochum

John Yochum is a ranger at Estero Llano Grande State Park. Previously, he served as president of the Black Swamp Audubon Society in northwest Ohio.

Directions

Estero Llano Grande State Park protects a lake, wetlands, and other habitats in suburban Weslaco. From east- or westbound Hwy. 83, exit at FM 1015 (also known as International Blvd.) and head south. Drive 2.25 miles to the entrance, which is marked by a large brick sign. From the parking lot, walk east about 150 yards to the visitor center.